Dear Recess, I Love You

Today was the official first day back to school. Bell rang at 9:05. Tardy bell rang at 9:10. Hope you are there- I mean really, it is after 9, so you should be. The theme in my mind today was recess. We had not 1, but 2 recesses today and I didn't have to be out there for either of them! It is kind of like the teachers get a recess as well! Fabulous! The first 30 minute recess is while we eat lunch. Our kiddos eat prior to this for 20 minutes. Really, kids can eat in 20 minutes and this works really well. Then there is an additional 15 minute recess in the afternoon around 2. So nice! A little breather for kids and teachers alike. School went well- still totally shadowing my partner teacher until the adoptive baby is due, so not too much work on my end. Seems like a great class- not too many talkers- really well-behaved (albeit tall) students. Looking forward to a fun year. Filled with many, many recess breaks.

Oh My, School Tomorrow

Today was filled with health training on how to use epi pens and directions to call 911 when in doubt of a student's safety. So different than any other training I've been through! Tonight we met our students - all 28 of them. So cute and young-looking- very different than the 6th grade urban class I had down in Texas. The parents all brought desserts and we hung out and met everybody. I think most parents were relieved that I was a "qualified" sub to take over while the regular teacher was out on leave.

I can barely stand on my sore feet- don't know how I am going to get used to standing and walking around all day keeping up with these kiddos! The hardest job in education is definitely teaching and I haven't even really begun to teach yet. Off to bed for a great first day tomorrow!